This is the second year I conduct this poll. Last year "Get Out" made 100 of the 117 lists submitted. This year, more than 114 critics nationwide were asked to submit a list of their 10 best movies of the year thus far. Leading the pack with the most mentions was Paul Schrader’s "First Reformed" with 70 votes. Close behind the Schrader were Ari Aster's "Hereditary," Lynne Ramsay's "You Were Never Really Here," Alex Garland "Annihilation," Ryan Coogler's "Black Panther," Chloe Zhao's "The Rider" and John Krasinski's "A Quiet Place."
The full half-year poll.
1. First Reformed (Paul Schrader, U.S.) (71 lists)
2. Hereditary (Ari Aster, U.S.) (65)
3. You Were Never Really Here (Lynne Ramsay, U.S.) (64)
4. Annihilation (Alex Garland, U.S.) (61)
5. Black Panther (Ryan Coogler, U.S.)( 61)
6. The Rider (Chloe Zhao, U.S.) (54)
7. A Quiet Place (John Krasinski, U.S.)(49)
8. Paddington (Paul King, U.K.) (49)
9. Isle of Dogs (Wes Anderson, U.S.) (40)
10. Won’t You Be My Neighbor (Morgan Neville, U.S.) (34)
My own list of favorites thus far extends to 15:
First Reformed, Hereditary, Lean on Pete, Leave No Trace, A Quiet Place, The Rider, The Tale, Three Identical Strangers, Tully, Won't You Be My Neighbor, You Were Never Really Here, Isle of Dogs, Paddington 2, Red Sparrow and Game Night.
Alright, let’s settle this once and for all. What’s the best Bond movie? While we wait for the next actor to be cast, let’s do what Bond fans have been doing for six decades: argue about which one is actually the best.